Tucson in top 10 for aerospace, defense industries

Tucson has been ranked sixth in America for aerospace and
defense manufacturing, according to the publication Business
Facilities magazine.

The ranking is primarily based on a comparison of industry
sector employment and wages, according to Tucson Regional Economic
Opportunities. Also evaluated were major projects and facility
expansion / relocation activity for a region in the past 12 months,
and the number of major aerospace and defense contractors
headquartered in the region.

Aerospace and defense is one of four targeted industries in
TREO's business development efforts. In the last fiscal year, 16
percent of new jobs in the region were in the aerospace and
defense/homeland security industry, TREO said in a release.

"Tucson, Arizona, clearly has established itself as a leading
aerospace / defense hub. It is home to Raytheon Missile Systems,
the world's largest missile manufacturer, which generates about $5
billion in annual revenue and supports more than 12,000 jobs. With
a solid footing in the production of advanced defense systems,
Tucson has positioned itself for steady growth in this critical
high-tech sector for years to come," said Jack Rogers, editor of
Business Facilities.

"Business Facilities' ranking of Tucson as a top metro area for
aerospace and defense manufacturing proves that targeted efforts to
recruit high-skilled jobs in this industry are paying off," said
Joe Snell, TREO president and CEO. "The aerospace and defense
industry is a critical component of Tucson's economy and a national
ranking like this is great recognition for the region."

Tucson has also recently ranked as a hotspot for young
professionals as well as a "Fast City." In June, Next Generation
Consulting ranked Tucson No. 16 on its list of the best places to
live and work for young professionals in cities with a population
of more than 500,000. And in May, Fast Company magazine ranked
Tucson as one of the top 12 "Fast Cities" in the world.